May is a month of victories for the Armenians. The history shows that the Armenian people acheived all their most important victories in May. Now, continuing with the tradition of these spring holidays, on May 28 we celebrate the 100th Anniversary of the independence of the First Republic of Armenia.

Join us to share one of the most important Armenia historical event celebration.

Day 1 - May 24, 2018

Arrival in Yerevan. Meeting at the airport. Transfer to the hotel in Yerevan.

Check in. Rest time

OVERNIGHT IN YEREVAN

Day 2 - May 25, 2018

Breakfast served

Your acquaintance with Yerevan will start with a look at the history of its foundation – a visit to Erebouni museum and Fortress founded in 782 BC. After you will take an excursion to the Cathedral of St. Gregory the Illuminator (20th c), the symbol of the 1700th anniversary of the proclamation of Christianity as a state religion in Armenia. The holy relics of St. Gregory were brought from Italy in time for the opening, and Pope John Paul II came to pay an official visit shortly after the consecration. This is one of those unrepeatable structures, the FUTURE built on the PAST. Tsitsernakaberd Memorial Complex and the museum in Yerevan is dedicated to the memory of the 1.5 million Armenians who perished in the first genocide of the 20th century, at the hands of the Turkish government.

Lunch in Armenian Traditional Restaurant in Yerevan

You will enjoy a tour of the most enigmatic of city, visiting the remarkable MadenataranLibrary and Research Institute of Armenia which houses about 17,000 rare manuscripts. This is one of the richest depositories of manuscripts and books in the world. The history of the Madenataran dates back to the creation of the Armenian alphabet in 405.

OVERNIGHT IN YEREVAN

Day 3 - May 26, 2018

Breakfast serve

As this year and especially this month is commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the battle of Bash Aparan let’s start the day from this heroic battle town of 1918.

On May of 1918, an Ottoman Turkish division attacked Armenian forces at Bash Aparan, with the intent of pushing towards Yerevan. After three days of fierce combat, the Armenians, led by General Drastamat Kanayan, known as General Dro, began to repel the Turkish regiments, and they retreated on May 29, 1918. The victory at Bash Aparan, along with Armenian success at Sartarabad and Karakilisa, was instrumental in leading to the formation of the First Republic of Armenia.

The fist and main visit will be “Revival” Memorial complex of Aparan. Later Ardashavan – New Complex of Armenian Letters: “It is difficult to express the deep feeling Armenians have for their language, which many regard as the lifeblood of their culture”.Saghmosavank Monastery is perched on the edge of the precipitous gorge of the Kasakh River. Visiting the village of Oshagan, you will see the church, which is built over the grave of Mesrob Mashdots, who is the founder of the Armenian alphabet, and one of Armenia’s greatest benefactors.

Lunch and hospitality with an Armenian Family.

OVERNIGHT IN YEREVAN

Day 4 - May 27, 2018

Breakfast served

We embark on our journey to the land of ancient treasures of Christian history – Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin (UNESCO) which is the “religious capital” and the seat of the Supreme Patriarch-Catholics of all Armenians. The story holds that the place where Noah made the fire after the flood is the site upon which the main Cathedral, one of the earliest Christian churches, was built. Nowadays, it is located in the lower chamber, underneath the main Altar of the Cathedral. Participation in DIVINE LITURGY

Then, admire the Churches of Sts.Hripsime and Gayane (7th c.) named after the faithful virgins, these churches are dedicated to these virgins, 3rd century followers of Christ who were martyred.

Lunch is in one of the educational and cultural centers of Etchmiadzin

Optional: VERNISSAGE shopping (an open air market)

OVERNIGHT IN YEREVAN

Day 5 - May 28, 2018

Breakfast served

On this day – May 28th, we Armenians celebrate the day of the First Republicof Armenia. Exactly 100 years ago, the first modern Armenian state since the loss of statehood in the Middle Ages proclaimed its independence. The First Republic was short-lived. After the Russian Red Army’s invasion on December 2nd, 1920, the independent statehood was dissolved and the Soviet power was established in Armenia. May 28th remains an important landmark for the Armenian people who eventually managed to build their own statehood after five centuries of being under foreign control.

It is a very special celebration for the 100th anniversary of the First Republic of Armenia, the Armenian liberation movement and the glorious victory of May 28th, 1918 in Sartarabad, Bash Aparan, Karakilisa. The day also is marked as the symbol of the Armenian statehood’s renaissance. One of the main ceremonies of the celebration for the 100th Anniversary of the First Republic will take place at the Memorial Complex of Sartarabad Battle.

The memorial is a wonderful architectural complex which was opened in 1968, on the day of the 50th anniversary of Sartarabad Battle. The memorial complex has great historical significance. It completely reveals the importance of the battle of Sartarabad and how the victory concluded with difficulties that eventually became determinant in the fate of Armenia. This heroic battle was the manifestation of the firmness and self-sacrifice of the Armenian spirit, the witness of which is the Armenian people, the people who heroically fought for the sake of their independence.

OVERNIGHT IN YEREVAN

Day 6 - May 29, 2018

Breakfast served

FREE DAY

OVERNIGHT IN YEREVAN

Day 7 - May 30, 2018

Breakfast served

Visit to Lake Sevan – the emerald of Armenia, a beauty under the sky. Lake Sevan is considered to be one of the largest sweet water lakes in the world, situated at an altitide of 1,897 meters above sea level. The most picturesque view of Lake Sevan is seen from the peninsula atop which Sevan Monastery is nicely nestled dating to the 9th century.

Lunch in Sevan

Trip to Dilijan: “A piece of Switzerland in Armenia” – Earth and sky, woods and fields, rivers, the mountains become excellent schoolmasters, and teach some of us more than we can ever learn otherwise… The old approach in the new century … “Old Town Dilijan” complete with craftsmen workshops, small shops with traditional Armenian products and crafts, museum, showing typical 19th century living with all its local customs and handmade wood furnishings…..10-13th centuries Goshavank Monastery.

OVERNIGHT IN YEREVAN

Day 8 - May 31, 2018

Breakfast Served

Driving through the fertile plains of the Ararat valley, you will reach Khor Virap Monastery – the beginning of the History of Christianity in Armenia, magnificently set against the towering slopes of the Biblical Mountain, Ararat. You have some quite spectacular photo opportunities before a landscape of unparalleled beauty and majesty. The monastery is the site where St. Gregory the Illuminator was incarcerated and it is a pilgrimage destination for every believer. It is especially a time for reflection upon the work of our Church’s patron saint, Gregory the Illuminator, who spread the light of Christianity in Armenia and inspired King Drtad to proclaim Christianity as a state religion in 301. This had a determinate impact on the Armenia people and their history. Next, we will take the path through the narrow gorge, revealing Noravank Monastery, nestled inside the deep red landscape of the tuf stone mountains.

Lunch will be served near Noravank Monastery. Areni–1 cave complex multicomponent site and late Chalcolithic/ Early Bronze Age ritual site and settlementis located near the Areni village in southern Armenia along the Arpa River. The earliest leather shoe was found in Areni. The site also contains the earliest known winery in the world.

OVERNIGHT IN YEREVAN

Day 9 - June 1, 2018

Breakfast served

Today is the day that will best contrast the difference between the pre-Christianity/paganism era and the conversion of Armenia to Christianity.

This morning you will travel to Garni, the location of the only pre-Christian pagan temple maintained in Armenia.

Later on, we will reach Geghard (Cave monastery) (UNESCO) architectural complex (12-13th centuries), carved out of one monolithic rock. Due to the extraordinary acoustics, when the local singer begins to sing in this chamber, it is hard to believe a large choir isn’t singing… be aware it is only one man…